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Since the first child plotted to delay bedtime, parents have told stories, myths, and fables to help their children fall to sleep quicker. From these bedtime stories children have discovered storybook heroes like Winnie-the-Pooh, Superman, a spider named Charlotte, and Santa Claus.
Should each book be prefaced by asserting these characters are not true? That there is no Pooh, no Superman, no Charlotte, or no Santa? Or are they real?
Children understand these characters, build inseparable relationships with them, and go on grand adventures together, as they learn lessons along the way. Where exactly do fictional characters end and the effect of the lessons they teach begin?
A child who has heard Winnie-the-Pooh stories acquires behavioral guidelines that help her understand her own friends. When she has a friend as gloomy as Eeyore, she will know how to show empathy and come up with ideas to cheer up her friend. She can also respect a friend’s deep love for one thing the same way Pooh loves honey. And she can figure out ways to work together to accomplish goals and solve problems as friends in The Hundred Acre Wood have done so many times.
Should each Winnie-the-Pooh book begin by telling children this story is not true, that there is no Pooh, no Eeyore, no Kanga, and no little Roo? Or is there a part that is real? And what about Santa? Is he real?
Just behind Santa’s red suit are the senior citizens volunteering at the food bank, and the businesswoman writing the check that stocks its shelves. Look carefully and you will also see a father, who long after his kids have gone to bed, repairs and paints the bikes he will donate at Christmas. Or see the woman in her wheelchair crocheting colorful baby hats and delicate sweaters to give to mothers who can’t afford a wardrobe for their new babies. Or the neighbors ringing the bell for just a few hours, for a small amount of change that adds up to big changes in people’s lives.
That’s what anyone can see if they look hard enough. You may not always see the line that separates the many dimensions of Santa. A child cannot see the dimensions at all. A child does not have life’s microscope yet, but he can see the bright red suit, imagine the North Pole, and believe in flying reindeer while he strives to be good for a desired gift.
A young child understands receiving — receiving food, clothing, shelter, love, safety, and toys! Childhood is a time to enjoy the receiving, to know how good it feels so someday the child will grow up to understand the joys of giving.
One day each child will ask the inevitable question, “Is Santa real?” On that day celebrate this rite-of-passage. Show the child all that is behind the red suit, then take her hand in yours and help her make the leap-of-faith from the receiving side of Santa to the giving side.
To help any child understand Santa better, read them “The Myth of Santa’s Beard” by national award-winning author Sharon Thayer. This holiday book started out as a letter from Santa. It has grown into a great story of how Santa’s elves solved a big problem with a magical gift. Children will love the gift of Santa’s beard.
Sharon had never dreamed of writing children’s stories. With a dyslexic history she didn’t even like to read, but there it was, a magical story, begging to be put into the hands of little believers. When asked about why she wrote “The Myth of Santa’s Beard”, Thayer has always replied, “My goal is to spread joy, magic, and wisdom to children of all ages.”
Those interested in learning more about Sharon’s book can visit here: http://www.Carousel-Publishing.com.
Release ID: 151140